Steven Sawalich, Senior Director of Global Media and Philanthropy for Starkey Hearing Technologies, merges a devotion to humanitarian aid with artistic determination to capture key global human experiences on film. The core of his work is about opening avenues of understanding among people around the world.

In his former role serving as Senior Executive Director of the Starkey Hearing Foundation, which will give one million hearing aids to people in need worldwide during this decade, Sawalich has traveled the globe on hearing missions countless times.  He and his teams conduct on-the-ground work fitting those in need with hearing aids. The Foundation fits upwards of 100,000 children and adults a year with free hearing devices and provides one-to-one hearing education. 

Sawalich has raised the visibility of the Foundation dramatically, both domestically and worldwide. His leadership—which has helped the Foundation triple efforts within the past year—directs efforts in film, global partnerships, humanitarian initiatives, social web strategies and the exponential growth of the So The World May Hear Awards Gala.

As a filmmaker, Sawalich formed Articulus Entertainment, Inc.which gives artistic expression to the conviction that individuals can make a difference in our world.  His signature film, Music Within, illuminates the journey of Richard Pimentel. At present, he recently finished executive producing Operation Change, a television documentary series that forges new ground that travels the globe to uncover some of the world’s greatest unsung heroes. The series premieres on the Oprah Winfrey Network on June 23^rd, 2014.

Says Sawalich: “I believe each and every experience builds and shapes you as an individual. Each incident may help you find your true purpose in life. There was no particular turning point for me, but a series of events that helped define who I am and what legacy I want to leave behind.”

Sawalich holds a bachelor’s degree from Pepperdine University and currently resides in Manhattan Beach, CA with his wife and 2 children.